Mr President, Mr Secretary
General, ladies and gentlemen, Armenia’s entry into the new millennium
is signified by highly remarkable events which attest to its rich
history. This year, we mark the tenth anniversary of Armenia’s re-established
independence. Having embraced, firmly, the values of freedom and
democracy, we committed ourselves to transforming our society to
this end. We are also celebrating one of the most important milestones
in Armenia’s history, the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of
Christianity as a state religion.

It is a celebration of persistence in our beliefs and our
values. They have survived the test and turbulence of history. The
past ten years were a period when we rediscovered Armenia’s identity.
With its rich historical and cultural heritage, the Armenian nation
always considered itself part of European civilisation. Soon after
having gained independence, we declared our objective to engage
Armenia firmly in the architecture of the new Europe. It is indeed
symbolic that at the beginning of the new millennium, a time so
meaningful for our nation, we are here today to celebrate Armenia’s
accession to the Council of Europe. This is an impressive illustration of
the link between Armenia’s past, present and future.

Armenia has always associated itself with Europe, its history,
values and culture. Throughout past centuries, European history
has been fuelled by a common anxiety about the future. As a result,
the continent has produced a reliable and unique system of interdependence.
Contemporary Europe has been transformed into an area of sustained
security and peace. It has opened extraordinary opportunities for
providing prosperity for its people.

European structures of co-operation have secured a louder
voice for smaller nations. They have pooled European sovereignties
so that they might, in concert, cope with the challenges and demands
of the modem world. Most importantly, Europe has vividly demonstrated
that prosperity and security are firmly linked with the democratic
system of governance and strict observance of human rights.

The priorities and objectives of Armenia are in full conformity
with the values and practices of Europe and its institutions. It
was with that vision in mind that we tabled our application to join
the Council of Europe and engaged ourselves in the long accession
process. We view our membership as a crucial juncture on the road to
Armenia’s comprehensive integration within Europe. We believe that
the present institutional developments in Europe offer considerable
and promising opportunities for Armenia. I have been most delighted
to observe the overwhelming consensus across the political spectrum
in our republic about our accession. In confirmation of that fact,
the leaders of all the political factions in the Armenian Parliament
have joined me today to celebrate this remarkable event.

We have already benefited greatly from our co-operation throughout
the years of the accession process. That process has not been easy,
but it has been most instrumental in the democratic transformation
of Armenia. A considerable amount of national legislation has been
upgraded to European standards, with expert advice and assistance
from the Venice Commission and the Secretariat. The Council of Europe
has supported various Armenian public and government organisations
in raising the awareness of the democratic principles and human
rights. Our reforms have taken place under the close scrutiny of
the Parliamentary Assembly, and the Council of Europe has contributed
significantly to strengthening the trust and confidence in our region
of the South Caucasus.

Throughout its history, our region has known strife and destitution
as a result of colliding empires and complex interethnic relations.
At present, the South Caucasus is still challenged by unresolved
conflicts and the pressure of transition. However, we in Armenia
are confident that by formulating and pursuing common interests
for all three states in the region, we will be able to surmount
the present difficulties.

In other words, along with reassessing the individual potential
of each of our countries, we should also pursue the advantages and
benefits of regionalism. With the accession to the Council of Europe
of Armenia and Azerbaijan – and earlier of Georgia – we can confirm
the commitment of the entire region to the common values of democracy
and human rights. The history of Europe and its present achievements
offer the best encouragement for reaching that objective.

Armenia welcomes the initiatives of the Council of Europe
aimed at consolidating our society and promoting regional co-operation
in democracy building. We attach the utmost priority to establishing
comprehensive security in the South Caucasus. Regrettably, we still
remain a weaker link in the wider system of European security, but
Armenia’s policies are aimed at preventing the risk of new dividing
lines and a confrontational situation arising in the region. We
have clearly stated our views and objectives in that regard. The
promotion of the concept of regional security will become a consolidating
framework for resolution of regional conflicts, including the one
in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Nagorno-Karabakh peace process has, in the past few years,
acquired certain new and positive elements. Although the present
format of the OSCE’s (Organisation for Security and Co-operation
in Europe) Minsk Group remains most appropriate for the peace process,
there is an ongoing dialogue between the President of Armenia and
the President of Azerbaijan. We have established a good level of
understanding. Within the framework of our current visit, we intend
to meet again. These bilateral meetings have also extended to the level
of foreign and defence ministers, which is important for strengthening
the cease-fire regime.

Furthermore, because of the efforts of the international community,
including the Council of Europe, there have been growing contacts
between our public and government organisations. Such contacts contribute
to a better understanding within our society and to reduced feelings
of hostility towards each other, and they improve the climate in
which the search for compromise takes place.

The peace process requires patience and time, but certainly
has prospects for success. At the same time, Armenia’s position
is determined by the necessity to secure the legal equality of the
parties to the conflict, and to acknowledge the realities concerning
Nagorno-Karabakh. This requires a broader formulation of the notion of
sovereignty.

With those considerations in mind, we continue to value the
principles reflected in the proposal of the Minsk Group’s co-chair
for a common state. With its full accession to the Council of Europe,
Armenia is registering a considerable degree of progress in democracy
building. We realise that we are still only half-way there. Meanwhile,
Armenia is committed to full and timely observance of its post-accession
obligations.

I take this festive opportunity to thank all those in the
Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly and the presidency
for their commitment to assisting Armenia throughout the years of
the accession process. I am overwhelmed with joy and pride for my
people, as the Armenian flag is raised at the Council of Europe.
That re-establishes Armenia’s rightful place in the family of European
nations. Europe has institutionally extended its borders to where
they belong. We are here to make our own efforts in achieving the
sense and meaning of being European.